Greene King announced it will sell its iconic Old Speckled Hen beer brand to Spanish brewer Estrella Damm. The deal, confirmed in early May 2024 , signals the pub group’s strategic move to focus on brewing for its own pubs rather than supplying supermarkets, while the brand’s future production will shift from Bury St Edmunds to Damm’s Bedford facility.

Old Speckled Hen accounts for half of Greene King’s off‑trade revenue

The 1970s‑era lager, which makes up roughly 50% of Greene King’s sales outside its pubs, will change hands without a disclosed price tag. As the report notes, the brand’s off‑trade share has been a steady cash stream, and its removal from Greene King’s portfolio underscores a decisive re‑allocation of resources toward on‑premise offerings.

Transition plan keeps brewing in the UK for now

During the hand‑over, Old Speckled Hen will continue to be produced at Greene King’s Westgate Brewery in Bury St Edmunds. once the transaction closes , production is slated to move to Damm’s Bedford plant,where the same recipes will be brewed alongside Estrella Damm’s flagship lager, ensuring continuity for consumers.

Potential job impact remains vague

Both Greene King and Damm acknowledged that the sale could affect employment, but neither disclosed how many roles might be lost or relocated. The lack of specifics leaves staff at Westgate and the Bedford site uncertain about future staffing levels.

Nick Mackenzie calls the partnership a ‘delight’

Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said the group was “delighted” to have secured Estrella Damm as a partner that will keep brewing the ales in the UK.. His comment reflects confidence that the brand will retain its British identity despite foreign ownership.

Old Speckled Hen joins a growing list of British beers sold abroad

The transaction makes Old Speckled Hen the latest iconic British label to fall under foreign control, following recent sales of other heritage brews to overseas investors. This trend highlights a broader consolidation in the UK beer market, where multinational firms are acquiring legacy brands to expand their portfolios.

Who will decide the brand’s supermarket future?

Although Damm has pledged to keep Old Speckled Hen on supermarket shelves, the exact distribution strategy remains unclear. The agreement does not specify whether the brand will be marketed under the Damm umbrella or retain its original branding in retail channels.